The TV landscape is fizzing like a freshly opened can of lager as we reach the halfway point in 2026. New dramas are bursting onto our screens, documentaries are probing deeper than ever before, and fan-favourite series have returned to thrill audiences once more. And let's not forget those streaming services – they're churning out a veritable feast for viewers, with all manner of new programmes vying for attention.
Among the most talked-about newcomers is Bait, Riz Ahmed's comedy gem that skewers the film industry with wry wit and sharp satire. The show stars Ahmed as a rapper-turned-actor trying to land the role of James Bond, joined by Himesh Patel and Guz Khan in a stellar supporting cast. With its bold blend of humour and social commentary, Bait is a must-watch that's already left audiences buzzing.
In another corner of the drama world, HBO's limited series DTF St. Louis has dropped like a bombshell, with seven intense episodes unfolding the dark tale of midlife crises and murder. Expect big-name stars Jason Bateman and Linda Cardellini to bring their A-game in this gripping production – though, it's worth noting that its UK streaming status is a bit more murky.
Back in Blighty, our own talented writers are shining bright. Richard Gadd returns with Half Man, a searing drama that probes the toxic side of masculinity across three decades, starring alongside Jamie Bell in a performance that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Crook's Small Prophets brings its signature gentle charm to suburban wizardry, with Pearce Quigley and Paul Kaye joining Michael Palin in a delightfully offbeat comedy.
Documentaries are also flying high, including a new film that delves into the incredible journey of Take That. The band's three main members – Gary, Howard, and Mark – take centre stage in this intimate look at their highs and lows, from those early days to their triumphant comeback. It may be without Robbie Williams and Jason Orange, but this is an unmissable trip down memory lane for all you Take That super-fans out there.
And then, of course, there's the return of some of our most-loved series. Steven Knight's A Thousand Blows has come back for its second season on Disney+, continuing to transport us to the grit and grime of Victorian East London with its trademark blend of historical drama and gritty storytelling.